Restoration of the Tabernacle of David: Michael Kesinger

February 20, 2024

The Restoration of the Tabernacle of David

Amos 9:11 - In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - God's Glory Cloud [His Presence] filled the Temple after the trumpeters and the singers raised their voices - accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other musical instruments. The Glory cloud was not a one-time occurrence, as it often filled the Tabernacle of Moses.

The Ark of the Covenant and the kind of worship that God inhabits - were in the Tabernacle of David. Amos 9:ll prophetically speaks of God rebuilding the tabernacle of David, and (in part) was fulfilled in the re-birth of Israel. In Acts 15, James quotes Amos 9:11-12 equating the tabernacle of David to the Gentiles coming into the Kingdom. I believe this all includes the “One New Man”; and we are still waiting for further fulfillment of this Worship Tabernacle. Amos 9:l2 says that rebuilding the tabernacle of David is key for possessing the remnant of Edom - and all the heathen who are called by His name. The name Obed-Edom (in whose house the ark resided for 3 months) means "servant of Edom”. The type of worship presented at the tabernacle of David will be key to future revival and the bringing in of the Edomites and the heathen.

When David brought the ark up to Jerusalem with great fanfare and worship, he danced out of his kingly robe revealing his linen ephod - which is a priestly garment. The linen garment was what the priests wore while ministering before the alter. The Tabernacle of David was all about Worship: it was carried – with extreme worship, to mount Zion and placed under a tent; then dedicated with more worship. Although animal sacrifice was present at the dedication, it was the singing and instrumental worship that was predominate at David’s tent. David did not function as a Levite priest; rather a fore-type of the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ. When the ark was returned from Philistine captivity, the budded staff of Aaron was missing (the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood would no longer be needed - because Jesus would fulfill this role.

1 Chronicles 25 lays out how David set-apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals. The number of those who performed this service was 288: who were skilled (perhaps the teachers) and divided into 24 groups. By the end of David’s rein, there were 4,000 singers and musicians to worship. This worship was “continually, as every day’s work required”. Much of the Psalms were written at the tabernacle of David - in front of the ark of the covenant.

David’s Tabernacle was located on Mount Zion - in the city of David. The Temple was latter built on Mount Moriah – now known as the Temple Mount. What happened at David’s Tabernacle only lasted for only about 40 years; but, has everlasting consequences. This kind of reminds me of the Jesus Movement (in the 1970’s) that lasted a short period... but has had wide-range effects to this day.

The first tent of meeting (the Tabernacle of Moses) was still in existence and functioning at Gibeon - at the same time David had worship installed at the tent he established at Jerusalem. Interestingly, the Ark and the Tabernacle of Moses were separated and had taken different paths. The Tent of Meeting ended up in Gibeon - on the greatest of all the high places. Psalm 78 says God “forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh”. Eli ‘s sons were corrupt and did evil at Shiloh.

The main problem was that the Presence of God was no longer at Gibeon. The Ark of the Covenant had been missing for years from the Tabernacle of Moses. But they were still doing animal sacrifices, they had the other temple furnishings, and they were doing all the associated religious works. The presence of God had moved from the Tent of Meeting to the Tabernacle of David - where the ark was, and He sat between the Cherubim on the Mercy Seat. There was sacrifice and law at the tent of meeting - there is worship at David’s Tabernacle. It is no secret that God inhabits the praises of His people. Worshipers have access to the presence of God. The tabernacle was for the ark - the ark was not for the tent. The book of Hebrews says God does not take pleasure in our burnt offerings. God accepts the worship of the people - of the calves of our lips (as Hosea 14:2 spoke). Calves were offered in sacrifice - our lips offer a sacrifice of praise.

God says, Mount Zion - which cannot be moved, abides forever. Mount Zion is referred to as the city of the living God Lord of Hosts - Who dwells on Mount Zion. God has a special place for where worship arises. Isaiah 16:5 says “And in mercy shall the throne be established: and He shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.”

People were content to do their religious duty there without the presence of God - which was with the ark. I think that the religious systems and true worship are often separated today, and that many are content to fill the pews and do religious service. Others dance like David did with their worship, and “leave it all on the field”.

Michael Kesinger

Vision statement: My prophetic art vision is to passionately paint messages that impact the viewer and impart spiritual Truth to the seeker. It is not the media - but the message, that transforms. It is not the painting or an artistic gift - but the imparted Truth, that is of value. Paintings the Lord has given me are as a fire shut up in my bones - which has to be released through a paint media. I pray the paint becomes as an anointing of liquid fire. I desire to paint like Keith Green sang - bold and uncompromising. Art - like music, is inspired. It can be used for good or evil, or perhaps neutral. I desire to paint - not neutral images; but messages that challenge.

Website: www.openheavenart.com
Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Michael has been creating prophetic art in Winter Haven/Lakeland Florida area for over 30 years. His art has been shown at churches, conferences and outdoor venues. Even with as little exposure as he has had up to this time, there are a numerous pieces of his work hanging in homes and churches. Not having been professionally trained in any technique or artistic bent, he is self-taught, and his artwork is prophetic, coming directly from the Lord’s heart and mind to his. Each piece has a prophetic interpretation which Michael receives from the Lord, usually immediately, sometimes in phases.

Hope Does Not Disappoint - Richard Maisenbacher

February 16, 2024

God, in His covenant with us is much more intimately involved in life, not just thoughts. He acts, feels, and speaks. The Hebraic worldview is more doing as opposed to the Greek way of just thinking. To meditate in the Hebrew is not just to sit quietly and focus on things. It is to interact with the Holy Spirit and the community and bring those thoughts into reality. It then becomes relational. This has become a challenge for me and especially for my wife Becky because I like to be quiet and listen more than verbalize. It has been exceptionally challenging for her since one of her love languages is verbal connection. Consequently, I am continually working on that!

I asked the Lord recently if there was anything He would like for me to share about and I heard Him say, “disappointment.” Then the first scripture I was led to was Romans 5:5, “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out with in our hearts through the Holy Spirit wo was given to us.”

The beginning of that verse, “…and hope does not disappoint…” It seems I may need to understand hope a little also, so I do not get into too much disappointment. On the drop-down blog posts on www.thecovenantcenter.com Elizabeth Weber wrote a great blog post entitled “Hope.” I encourage you to read it! Her condensed version of hope is “waiting well.” Therefore, Hope… waiting well does not disappoint.

It seems important that we must confront our disappointment with God’s truth. We need beliefs that work when life doesn’t meet what we expect.

The word disappoint in the Greek means “to make ashamed, to dishonor, or to disgrace.” In other words, what God is doing will not make us ashamed. Since we are in covenant with Him and under His direction our experiences will not disappoint us because His love carries us through. I believe God knows what He is doing with me. I may not see His plan, but I know His character and compassion, so I can say “I trust You.” You are my hope, and I am not ashamed to follow where you lead.

Disappointment does imply that I have been frustrated. I can only be disappointed if my expectation doesn’t come to pass. My emotions are dependent on His compassion, grace and mercy and the direction of the Father and Holy Spirit.

I have very high expectations of God. However, I have learned to give Him lots of time to do what He thinks is necessary. I also have pretty high expectations of others who have proven themselves as trustworthy. Having said that, I have low expectations of others. That’s way I am not angry all the time.

This era we walk in now has challenged all of us. We can rejoice in difficulties because they produce patience. We embrace patience because it produces character and is a fruit of His Spirit. We are not disappointed because God’s love is poured into our hearts through that intimate covenant relationship.

Remember, “Hope does not disappoint.” Waiting well does not make us ashamed, dishonored, or disgraced. Why…because His love envelops us and encourages us in a close covenant relationship.

In HIs Covenant Love,

Hope - Elizabeth Weber

February 6, 2024

Lamentations 3:21-26

But this I recall to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

What does hope look like and sound like in the kingdom of God?

I meet with a small group of women for bible scrap-booking. We select a weekly scripture or topical word to study. At our next meeting we share what we have learned and show our artistic interpretation. This is a great group of women, loving, kind, and devoted to God. We have a lot in common regarding trials, great loss and tribulations so there is deep compassion and powerful common ground among us. Recently we started a discussion about hope; however we were not able to fully finish that conversation.

As I drove home that evening, I thought about it more. What is the difference between biblical hope and worldly/earthly hope in realistic terms? I know earthly hope is based on man’s ideals and man’s power. It may look like, wishful thinking, optimism, and the use of common phrases hoping to evoke certain outcomes. Additionally, there are various superstitious exercises that one may engage: knocking on wood, wearing a lucky Tshirt, wearing a sacred amulet, or carrying or posting an idol or statue. Earthly hope is focused on man’s ways to get answers to current problems hoping to bring prompt relief.

That evening I realized that if someone were to ask me about biblical hope, I would have a difficult time expressing my answer with good clarity. It was time for me to draw deeper from the scriptures regarding- hope.

The Hebrew language is a combination of letters, pictures and numbers. The following are common Hebrew words for hope.

*Qavah: to wait, to have anticipation along with waiting, related to Hebrew word qav/cord

*Tiqwah/Tikvah: cord or rope, and from a root word (to bind), it abstract idea for hope

Yakhal: to wait for, tarry, stay, used in the sense of stillness or silence

Hope and waiting were understood to be closely related, and somewhat interchangeable.

Think of a cord or rope being pulled until there is great tension. This is a good word picture of hope or waiting during a trial. How do Christians hope/wait in this tension? We are not to be in denial of the situation nor should we feel ashamed when in a trial. But how are we to process through the tension of waiting and remaining in hope?

The scriptures teach us and guide us to Wait Well. That’s what I call hope- waiting well.

Let’s consider and meditate on these 7 keys for BUILDING HOPE from the scriptures. The scriptures I share are obviously not exhaustive but to get us started as we gain understanding of biblical hope/waiting.

1). HOPE in reflection: The Hebrews were instructed to look back; look back to God. (to remember, recall, recite the truths they learned about Him) In looking back, they remembered what God had done in the past, what He taught them about Himself and they reflected on the many promises of God in order to look forward again.

Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds.

Psalm 105:5 Remember the wondrous works He has done, His miracles and the judgments He uttered.

2). HOPE in seeking God: Talk with God, walk with Him and listen to God, enjoy Him. Find out about Him in His wonderful word. Study the word- instead of looking to man, stories and logic that will not sustain us well in the waiting. Become Word-centric.

Psalm 34:4-6 I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from out of all his troubles.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.

3). HOPE in the power of the Holy Spirit: We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13) That is covenant language. Depend on the Holy Spirit’s power, not ours, or another persons presumed power. Look at how specifically Holy Spirit ministers...

Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

4). HOPE in counsel: The Lord will counsel us with His wisdom and specifically direct us in our lives. He’s AMAZING!! We only need to ask Him- Go to God first not to others expecting them to provide us with hope. Biblical hope is developed through knowing God in increasing intimacy in the midst of trials. Be cautious who we take counsel from and what environments we place ourselves in. They have influence.

Psalm 119:24 Your testimonies (Gods will and character) are my delight; they are my counselors.

Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

*God knows what He is doing in our waiting. He has not forgotten us, nor abandoned us! This is not His character.

5). HOPE in waiting: Learning to wait well. This takes time, perseverance, endurance, and commitment. Stay in the process, don’t run, don’t exit off God’s highway.

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined to me and heard my cry.

*RELATIONSHIP- God wants to build our relationship with Him in the waiting.

6). HOPE in quietness, stillness, being unmoved, rest:

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! *Being still, #7503 [relax, let drop, refrain, be quiet]. A word picture- stop ringing our hands, being preoccupied with anxious thoughts- INSTEAD, let our hands drop, sit back and wait well.

Proverbs 17:27-28 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Have you ever noticed when we are not at rest, we talk a lot more; often these words do not bring us life or bring us healing. Our words need to align with the truths about God that we have learned primarily from scripture.

7). Hope in expectation: The object of our hope is not a specific answer to problems: like a good lab report, a new relationship, a title or position, new job, a different diagnosis or relocation. The object of a Christian’s hope remains the same- it’s God. We are secure in His covenant. He will not/cannot break His covenant with us. We can trust God’s love, He is hesed (covenantal love) at all times.

Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord , who has compassion on you.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore, that the Lord your God- is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.

Pause and ask--What is the object of my hope- is it God or my personal outcomes and desires? What captures my attention as I wait in hope. What is my focus? Am I distracted by anything in my waiting?

Biblical hope waits for the Lord, not for answers. Biblical hope declares the truth about God BEFORE one receives the answer in a trial or pressing problem. In scripture we have numerous examples of people remaining in faith, as they hoped in God, as they waited for Him. Sometimes the answers never came in this lifetime. Hebrews chapter 11 is famous for this but there are others found in the word.

One of my favorite stories of waiting well is in the book of Esther 4:13. Mordecai says to Esther “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Mordecai had learned to wait well for the Lord. He had already decided to trust God and wait for the Lord’s plan to unfold. Mordecai was convinced that nothing would be permitted to thwart the plan of God. This is a clear example of Kingdom HOPE.

Because Mordecai had learned to wait well for God, he was able to powerfully encourage Esther to look to God, trust God, do what God was asking of her and then wait well.

What are we called to do for such a time as this? What are we to speak, tell, and express about God and His kingdom in our waiting during trials?

Biblical HOPE stabilizes us even when the circumstances and environment around us is unstable.

Jesus is THE HOPE that anchors our soul. Regardless of what is going on in our lives...our soul (mind, will, emotions, thoughts, feelings, responses and actions) and therefore our hope is to be anchored in Christ not in human logic or the culture in which we find ourselves.

Hebrews 6:19 We (believers) have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

The scripture at the beginning of this message: Lamentations 3:21-26: Read it again in view of what we have learned about biblical hope: about waiting well. Verse 21 - But this I call to mind/7725/shoob: look back, bring again to original starting point, recall, restore, allow to return, and have hope/3176/yakhal: I wait, tarry, expect.

What is the “this” that we are to call to mind-- God’s truth stated in this scripture is:

Verse 22 -The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Verse 24 -“The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, “therefore I will hope/3176/yakhal in Him.”

Verse 25 -The Lord is good to those who wait/6960 qavah (to bind together, like twisting, cord) for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. (Step 2- hope in seeking God.)

Verse 26 -It is good that one should wait/3175/Yakhal quietly1748/still/silently for salvation of the Lord.

Hope is a choice. Waiting well is a developed and committed choice.

Decide to make the choice to wait well. In so doing, we represent the One True God correctly. We remain faithful to the truth of who God declares Himself to be, and we are stable in trials. Thereafter we can help others by accurately modeling a believer who hopes, who waits well for the Lord.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Weber is passionate about studying the Word of God. She has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters Degree in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She is a trained chaplain and ordained minister. She has worked as a hospice and palliative RN at a local hospital. Elizabeth resides in Winter Haven, Florida with her husband David. She loves spending time with her family, 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Prayer and Preparation to Walk Through the Open Doors in 2024: Richard Maisenbacher

January 30, 2024

As we step into 2024, the Hebraic year of “Open Doors” I believe we need to be prepared for various shifts and changes within not only our nation but the body of Christ. We have stepped into a new era of reformation. God has been telling us to set things in order, set men and prepare for this new era.

Our focus this year, more than ever, has become time with Him in prayer. I personally have been focused on listening to Holy Spirit to guide my prayers and pray what He desires, rather than petitioning Him for everything I want. Prayer is becoming a major focus for me. Rather than presuming our idea is from Him, we are consulting with our intercessors and others in our body to find out what they are “hearing” from the Lord.

Proverbs 20:18 states: “Prepare plans by consultation and make war by wise guidance.” Obviously, this is a spiritual war, as we learn to align with heaven and His angelic forces.

As we celebrated our twenty fifth anniversary of TCC last year in June, the Lord also gave us the words “preparation and expansion.” There are many impressions of what expansion can mean, but we are seeking Him to bring the reality of this word to TCC. He has spoken that it has taken twenty-five years to mature and unify us to move into this time. We have gifted and anointed people positioned in all areas or streams of The Center including, Children and Youth Teachers, Instrumental Worship, Praise and Palmistry, Dancers and Flags, Prayer and Prayer Teams, Teachers of the Word and the Prophetic, Counselors, Artists, Writer’s, Deliverance Team, Missionaries, Healing Teams, Streaming, Video and Sound Technicians, Administrator and Facilitators. Everyone has a place and position to release the gift of God within them.

I look forward to this year as we continue to assist believer’s, helping them to walk into their callings and destinies that our Father has deposited within them. Even though we can expect challenges to come, His light will continue to shine through His covenant people.

In His Covenant Love,

The Gospel of the Kingdom - Bob Stark

January 30, 2024

Several weeks ago, Becky shared about us being in a time of transition - from Church Age to the Kingdom Age. Her message declared the transition, however most of her sharing reviewed the past church age. I was a bit confused and then realized we don’t really know what this future age will look like. So what do we do with that? How do we respond, and what is even the difference between the two?

I love questions, because questions lead to discovery….and discovery leads to intimacy In my observation (Big Picture) the Church Age was was mostly about “us” the Church. The overall focus was “inward.” Even our outreach, was focused to bring people “in” to the Church and getting people “in” to heaven.

But what does the Kingdom age look like? Where do we start?

Question:

What does “the Gospel” mean to you?

My take: Western, modern, Evangelical Church - predominant theme: Gospel of Salvation (Jesus died for our sins)
This viewpoint has shaped the world view of most of the church (maybe without us even realizing it). Almost everything is seen through or in relationship with that lens

Question: “What was Jesus really trying to communicate when He referred to “the Gospel?”

When Jesus walked the earth, He had a narrative that centered around “The Gospel of the Kingdom”

The writers of “The Gospels” were each telling a story, in their own way; each had their own unique “agenda” as they wrote their Gospels…they were never intended to be simply a historical account of Jesus’ time on the earth, …and their intentional use of the term “Gospel” had a very clear meaning based on the culture of their day.

The word for GOSPEL in the Greek is “Euangelion”. The meaning is "good news" but the context was governmental or Kingdom oriented. The “Gospel” was an imperial proclamation that announced a new king and a new kingdom had come on the scene. It is a term that was used in ancient Greece, (centuries before Jesus' time on the earth) and by the Romans after that. In fact, the use of the term “Gospel” by the Gospel writers was a very subversive statement against the well established culture of their day….

History Lesson:

Lets go back in history….Centuries before Jesus came to the earth, Alexander the Great, the Greek conqueror had a problem. He wanted to conquer the whole world for Greece, but he didn't have an army large enough to keep all of the people under his rule in submission and still have enough of an army left to conquer new territories (which was the same problem that others before him had). So Alexander utilized the Euangelion as part of his strategy. Now Alexander believed that the Greek way of life was superior to all of the other kingdoms in the earth, and so once his army conquered a particular kingdom or people group, if he could evangelize the new people to the Greek way of life, and show them that their lives were better under the Greek system than they were under their old system, then he had won the people and he wouldn't need large armies to keep them in subjugation. He used “the Gospel”. (The euangelion)

He spread the Gospel, or “Good News” that there was a new king and a new kingdom at hand, and proceeded to evangelize the benefits of the Greek Empire . The Greek worldview which became known as Hellenism) . Hellenism was anchored by four tenets:

- Healthcare

- Education

- Athletics

- Theater (entertainment)

And in order for this strategy to really work, this “gospel” had to be backed up with tangible action. In other words, the Greeks had to implement the 4 tenants of their ideology in each of the kingdoms or societies that they captured…So this gospel was also accompanied with tangible signs, which were seen to improve the lives of the local people. And he successfully used this strategy to literally conquer the known world for Greece.

As the Roman Empire grew in power, and eventually overthrew the Greek Empire, the Romans used this same successful strategy of the GOSPEL (euangelion) to evangelize that their new King and the new Kingdom of Rome had now come on the scene and was superior to the Greek way of life.

And each new Roman Emperor that came into power after that , would be proclaimed with this same gospel message.. So this idea and context of "THE GOSPEL" was very well known in Israel when Jesus came on the scene as the Jews were under Roman occupation at the time and were very familiar with this whole scenario.

The Point:

The gospel writers use of this term (GOSPEL (euangelion) was intentional, and would have given the people hearing it a clear understanding of the context in which Jesus was referring to (i.e. there is a new King, and a new Kingdom that has come which is far superior to the Roman kingdom you are under, or any earthly kingdom for that matter ...this did not imply a religious or spiritual message at all. This message is why many of His followers tried to crown Him King, and expected Him to free the Jewish people from their Roman Occupation by force.

However, this Kingdom was different. Jesus used this contextual understanding of Gospel as His starting point or baseline for the people's understanding…ie. That this was about a kingdom on the earth, however, from there, He then taught and modeled that the Kingdom He was talking about was very different from any kingdom they had witnessed on the earth…That the Kingdom He was referring to operated on a whole different set of principles than they were used to.

- Up was down

- Down was up

- If you want to be in authority, then be a servant

- Everything about the Kingdom of Heaven was different from the common observation and understanding of earthly kingdoms. Jesus not only taught these principles, he demonstrated them…He brought the reality of Heaven to the earthly realm….He taught it, He demonstrated it, He lived it.

Unfortunately, when we look at the modern day church, we don't often see the kingdom principles that Jesus taught and demonstrated in actual practice….most of what we see is a top down approach, with many church leaders demonstrating more dominion, than servant leadership. And much of what is done, is done to support the structure of the organization, not the broader Kingdom of God….this isn’t ok.

In Matthew 3, John the Baptist's message in the wilderness was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Then when Jesus started His public ministry, He continued the same message. We find in Matthew 4:17 Jesus speaking: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Question: What does this mean to you?

My opinion: In the modern evangelical church, we have framed this in light of the Salvation message - many would interpret this as “Stop sinning, do an about face from sin, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand…i.e. We need to stop sinning in order to “get into” the Kingdom of Heaven

The original greek word for Repent is “Metanoeo” which literally means “to change ones mind, to think differently, to do an about face in ones thinking”.

What I believe Jesus was really saying and what the Gospel writers were trying to communicate was: Repent (change your way of thinking) because the Kingdom of Heaven (which has a very different way of operating or doing things) is now here…and to fully access it, it takes a complete change in the way you think.

In order for us to truly access and benefit from the Kingdom of Heaven being “at hand” we have to change our way of thinking and change our perceived understanding in order to align with the higher way of thinking and Higher purposes of the kingdom of heaven.

This was not a religious statement….it was a practical one. Jesus came to earth in an environment where the prevailing thinking of his day was Greek thinking (left brain), and even the Jews of his day had succumbed to that way of thinking. Remember, the Jews were under Roman rule, and most had bought into the GrecoRoman way of thinking and were living more Greek than Eastern at that time. Greek thinking is left brain (analytical, logical, linear, facts, logic). And Eastern thinking is right brain (creative, imagination, intuition, rhythm, artistic).

In addition, the way the Roman Empire worked (and Empires before that), was to try to assimilate the people to the Roman way of life, but those who rebelled, would be crushed…ie ultimately, it was dominion by domination. Yet Jesus modeled that the kingdom of Heaven operated the opposite of that. To lead, you must serve,. To go up, you must go down. Everything operated differently.

Our whole way of thinking must change, for us to enter (now) and fully participate in and with the Kingdom of heaven. The Kingdom message, the one that Jesus brought, is much larger, over arching and consistent with the totality of scripture, way back to God’s original intention for the earth. The message of Salvation is extremely important, but should be interpreted through the lens of the Kingdom, not the other way around.

In Luke 19 Jesus said “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We sometimes limit this in our thinking to lost souls, but the full meaning here is that Jesus (as the Son of Man) has come to seek and to save all that was lost by Adam’s sin in the garden. This verse, Luke 19:11, is sandwiched between a story of Salvation (Zaccheus) and a Kingdom teaching about righteousness in finances leading to being put in authority over Cities. These two messages (Salvation and Kingdom) are connected, we just need to get them in the proper order or perspective.

Jesus himself said in Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

We find in Matthew 11:12 (Jesus speaking), “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”

The kingdom of Heaven is now accessible here on the earth (in the natural realm), but there are significant forces resisting it, and therefore those that contend for it, must do so with violent resolve. in other words you will not fully access the kingdom of heaven in this earth in a passive way, it takes spiritual violence to overcome the forces of evil that are trying to prevent it from coming to earth in fullness. It also takes physical risk and effort as this is a spiritual battle that is contending for the natural earth, which includes, but is not limited to the souls of the people.

The coming of Jesus ushered the kingdom of Heaven to the earth and empowered us (by the shedding of His blood and the gift of the Holy Spirit) to lay hold of it. But we have to fight and contend for it to fully come to earth and over take the current systems that are currently controlling the earth.

This is a spiritual battle, that is contending for the natural earth.

It starts with each of us with a change in how we think and our understanding of God our Father, and an understanding of our individual gifts and purpose on the earth.

The End Goal:

Habakkuk 2:14

The earth will be filled with the knowledge (Yada) of the glory of God, as the waters cover the sea.

Yada = intimacy.

Bob Stark

Bob and his wife Anita are Ordained ministers and Elders in The Covenant Center. Bob dives into God’s word bringing wisdom, insight and truth to his messages and teachings. He has a heart for the hurting and wounded and a desire to see people prosper. Bob encourages others to develop a relationship with God which brings intimacy and guidance from the Father. He and Anita enjoy spending time with their family and grandchildren. An avid fisherman, Bob enjoys the open water and the discussion of lively fishing tales..

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Advancing God's Kingdom - Tony Taylor

January 27, 2024

Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭15‬, ‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
Read 25:15 skip down to 20-21

He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’“

We have all been given talents and responsibilities. We all have different talents and gifts that we are able to utilize to overcome every obstacle in our lives. In order to maximize what God has given, we are to yield every area of our lives to the Holy Spirit.

For example when I am challenged I ask God to show me His perspective. I need to see how you see this situation or this person. Help me Lord? Come back to your First Love by repentance, seeking the Lord, concentrating on him, praying with out ceasing, and having The Fear Of God

God is maturing us to carry and release His Glory. We should prepare ourselves to enter every door with boldness as Jesus open doors that no man can shut. As we advance Gods kingdom in our home, jobs, through technology, and everywhere we go we must still flow with Holy Spirit and follow his lead. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart Lean not onto thine own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.

Jesus has the keys to death hell and the grave and he also has the keys to our assignment. Everything we are and are to become is all in him. I’ve learned firsthand that when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all things will be added to you.

A Testimony:
Four Months ago The Holy Spirit prompted me to call my friend mark. As he answered the phone he advised me he was a little down and feeling stuck at the moment. He advised me he was not getting along with his father at the moment They have a family business together Mark chose to step away. I prayed for Mark.
In a vision “I heard Mark’s son asking him to make tacos. Mark began to get excited and share with me different dishes and food he likes to cook.” Later, while speaking with Mark, he shared when he cooks he receive’s downloads on seasonings and recipes etc. I said mark that is it. That is one of your talents God has blessed you with!

The Holy Spirit then showed me two food trucks. As I leaned in to what I was seeing in the spirit The Holy Spirit gave me revelation and understanding. I prophesied to Mark. I said to him as he consecrates himself to the Lord I saw people around Mark cooking. I said to him, God will send people to you to disciple and mentor. You will feed many with natural food and spiritual food (The Word of God) In the food trucks.

Mark called me Dec 21 2023 to testify what all happened since the last time we spoke. He shared that he went to eat lunch at a barbecue restaurant and enjoyed the food. On his birthday he decided to go back with his wife and he met the owner. The owner stopped by his table they both started talking and in that conversation The Holy Spirit gave a word to Mark to share with the owner. They exchanged number’s and began talking. The owner asked Mark to come by to speak to him and his team. There at the meeting he asked Mark if he could start a Bible study with them. Mark said yes and also shared with the owner his passion for cooking.

The owner gave Mark an opportunity to come cook at an event that the owner was hosting. After that the owner was lead to share with Mark that he had two brand new food trucks on his property that he did not know what to do with them. The owner offered the food trucks to Mark for free In hope for Mark to start a food truck business in the Brandon area.

The Holy Spirit led Mark to the divine geographical location (Barbecue restaurant) and walked into a divine appointment meeting with the owner. God opened the door that no man can close and Mark walked through the opened door. Now Mark will be using his talents and gifts that God gave him to advance God’s Kingdom in Brandon Florida.

(Analogy) Who all has played Super Mario Brother’s?
The best part is picking different characters and although they all have different talents and tools to over come every obstacle they can each complete on the boards. We are the same as those characters. All of us are different, but we all have The same Holy Spirit that gives us dunamis power.

*google definition says: Dunamis power, deals with the power given to individuals to perform certain miracles, signs, and wonders, including healing and the ability to prophesy and speak in tongues.

In the Mario games they have an adversary assigned to each level which tries to stop and take you out . But like the game itself we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.

Three weeks ago I was at work on my way to my route. I was at a red light. The light turned green and just as I was about to go The Holy Spirit prompted me to wait. To my surprise a semi trailer truck ran the red light. If I did not listen, as I would have made a left turn, that truck would have hit the left side of my vehicle. The enemy tried a planned attack. As I sat there stunned all I could say was “Thank you Jesus for Protecting me and guiding me into all truth.” Weapons will be formed but they shall not prosper!

While we are advancing God’s Kingdom in the earth, three things will last forever—”faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.“

God's Love never fails!

Tony Taylor

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Tony Taylor and his wife Olivia are fire starters. They enjoy serving others and delight in adventures with their three children. Whether in his job, ministry or leisure you can find Tony sharing God’s love and bringing souls into the kingdom. He has a heart for the nations. He and Olivia are licensed ministers and youth leaders through The Covenant Center.

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Divine Contradictions - Nicole Welch

January 22, 2024

In order to get through 2024 we must know how to approach the year that we are in. I look to Psalm 23 going through the valley so we can climb the mountain in Psalm 24.

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Another version states “the Lord is my shepherd I shall not suffer lack.” The shepherd must shear the sheep of the wool. This means the Lord will never take so much wool off of me that it will harm me, I'll always have enough left. He takes things away from them which is the wool so that they don't get caught up in the brushes and the stickers and they don't fall over. The Lord understands that we must be trimmed and dealt with for our own good.

He makes us to lie down in green pastures. The Hebrew word means to settle down. Children must take a nap and settle down for their own sake. In 2024 we must “lay down” things so our identity in Him can be “settled”.

He leads me beside Still Waters. He does not lead me besides running waters but STILL waters.

Psalm 46:10 says “Be still”…That can be hard for us this year of 2024 but God wants to still the waters inside of us. When the waters rise around us like a rushing flood we will be still waters inside our hearts and know that He is leading us and He is God.

He restores my soul. David was making reference to righting a cast sheep and a cast sheep is a sheep who HAS NOT been sheared and has so much wool, he is so heavy and strays from the flock that it will get off balance and fall upside down. He will lay there with his feet up in the air and if they stay very long upside down they suffocate to death or the gases in their stomach build up and can kill them.

Our Shepherd counts sheep and finds that a sheep that is missing and if it's a cast sheep he restores him (He ‘rights’ him)

This year God is going to right cast sheep this coming year. He knows how to restore my soul and how to “right me” and actually one translation says to return to original intent.

Maybe you've been upside down feel like you're going to die but you're going to be sheared and righted you're going to return to your original intent.

He leads me in Paths of righteousness for his name's sake

If sheep are left alone they will always find the wrong path but God is about to lead us in Paths of righteousness this year is going to be one of the most righteous years that God has ever expressed himself in and on and through his people. Become a follower. A great leader is a great follower. It is the only way you become a leader appointed by God.

I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but I will fear no evil for you are with me and your rod and your staff comfort me

Snakes crawl, horses run and sheep walk.

We are not running scared through this valley don't run sheep walk.

We will walk through 2024 through our breakthrough!

God is with you and he's not in a hurry. He's walking with you and his rod and his staff is going to comfort you

He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies

Hell is not threatened by our ministry---but by the table of fellowship with God that He sets, and WE sit at.

He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

I am completely kept safe by God at that table among those who hate me and want me dead. The most threatening weapon against the powers of darkness is fellowship with God (aka sitting with God) at his table.

He anoints my head with oil and my cup overflows

Sheep get infections in their nose in their mouth and in their eyes because of flies and the infections get so severe they get very sick, and they'll die if they're not medicated. Our Shepherd takes his oil and pours it up the nose to medicate the sheep from the poisonous flies that were left behind. He saved the Sheep's life and is detoxing the sheep from any infection.

We have a Shepherd who loves us so much that he anoints our head to save us from anything that can destroy us. Isaiah 10:27 defines the anointing as the burden-removing, yoke-destroying power of God.

Only then can He fill you and your cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I prefer goodness and mercy to be in front of me but this verse says “goodness and mercy are following me.” His unfailing love will chase me and it comes from the derivative of a hunter who will track down his prey. He will catch us this year no matter what we are facing in front of us, goodness and mercy are following behind us.

Nicole Welch

Website: www.adigitaldisciple.com

Latest Book: www.amzn.to/2VF3euD

Contact: info@thecocvenantcenter.com

Nicole Welch is a mental health therapist and author who founded Get Heart Media. She loves to see people set free as they learn to walk in their true identity. Her superpowers are connecting quickly, influencing deeply and seeing God move in every encounter with His people. She lives in Lakeland, Fl. with her husband of 26 years and her two beautiful children.

Wisdom in Biblical Freedom: Richard Maisenbacher

December 31, 2023

Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (para), but happy is he who keeps the law.” Para (unrestrained in the Hebrew) means to let go, to loose, unruly, unbridled, undisciplined, or in another form it means to act as a leader. In other words, do what he wants to do like a pharaoh.

When we no longer think we see God move in our life we may become our own god or leader. We do not seek to please Him. We find things to please ourselves. My freedom becomes bondage to myself. I don’t fail because I don’t hear from Him. I have the Bible and other prophetic words that guide me. I just don’t see Him working the way I think He should if He really loves me. Rather than look to Him I end up taking care of my own needs. It can also become a major distraction to help someone else meet their needs.

In my prayer time several years ago, I heard the Lord say, “Don’t do things to please me…” Then there was a long pause and I thought to myself: really?! Then He said, “Find out what pleases Me and do those things.” I realized He was helping me get rid of any performance motivation. I obviously had been doing some things that I thought would make Him happy so He would bless me.

I then realized that He was pleased when I was intimate, in my covenant relationship with Him, and followed the things He though was important… like His written Word in my life. His purposes became my priority. Serving others was important.

Solomon tells us that happiness is found in keeping Torah. Happiness in not achieved by living unrestrained. Pharaoh was not happy. He was free to do what he wanted, but happiness was not the result. Being blessed or happy is a result of walking in an intimate covenant relationship of hearing and seeing what God wants us to do.

Freedom and repentance go hand in hand. Both are important. Any person who thinks they are free but refuses to repent of harmful choices of the past is not free. However, the past can be redeemed by a new future.

We have the freedom of choice to be a volunteer servant of God. The biblical model is not based on my freedom as an individual. Freedom is not the goal. It is to be a servant to a benevolent covenant master: Shema – Hear and Obey.

I believe we are in an era where God is encouraging believers and unbelievers to seek an intimate relationship with Him. There is major healing coming… not just physical healing but healing from wounds caused by life. He is highlighting loving Him in prayer and releasing His love to others. Many will sense this time of healing and either rededicate their lives or they will understand for the first time what it is like to really believe and express His love to others.

In His Covenant Love,

The Light - Andrei McLachlan

December 28, 2023

The Light by Andrei McLachlan

In the tapestry of time, a divine sacrifice unfolded—a deity choosing to become the sacrifice, not for self-elevation but for us. Defying mythology's usual narrative, our God reversed the script, making Himself the offering. Jesus, aware of the cost, willingly marched towards the cross, born to die and become sin for us.

In the midst of obedience, Jesus brought light, life, and redemption, knowingly drawing closer to death. Resurrection followed, but the crucible of sacrifice had to be endured.

As John 1:4-5 reveals, the Word gave life and illuminated all creation. Darkness could never extinguish this divine light. In John 8:12, Jesus proclaimed, "I am the light of the world," offering a path away from darkness.

Amidst the well-known Christmas narrative, the call echoes to refocus on the opportunity to let the light shine. This light, given by Jesus, is meant to be shared, eternal and abundant.

In Matthew 5:14-16, the analogy of a city on a hill emphasizes the visibility of our light. It's not to be hidden but placed on a stand, illuminating all. The call is clear: let your good deeds shine, bringing praise to the heavenly Father.

Beyond the presents under the tree, Christmas is about more. It is about the light penetrating hearts, transforming the broken, and bringing wholeness to a world in need. As recipients of this light, we are called to freely reflect it. We all know this to be true however when it comes to walking with God, the easy part is knowing. The real part being.

As said by John Mark Comer, “God’s grace gives us the power to say and do and be what we were never able to say and do and be without God.” It empowers us to love and live like Jesus.

Jesus' coming wasn't contingent on our perfection; it occurred when we were far from it. Salvation was gifted when undeserved, mirroring the love and mercy we are asked to extend to others. Jesus’ life has much more to say than just what happens when we die. The question of how do we “LIVE” whispers to us all.

In this privilege to reflect His light, an act of love and gratitude unfolds. As John Mark Comer reminds, “love is the highest metric in the kingdom.”

Though life may present its challenges, the call resounds: don't grow weary in well-doing. The opportunity is bestowed upon us—to let His light shine. What a privilege it is to reflect His light as an act of love for Him and those He died for. Let His light shine!

Andrei McLachlan
Contact: www.info@thecovenantcenter.com

Andrei McLachlan is a native of Lakeland Florida, married and a father of two children. He has a passion for inspiring people to realize the possibility of their potential. Andrei's life has been greatly marked by the love of God, and he desires to share it wherever he goes. He is an Education Professional for the State of Florida currently at Winston Academy of Engineering.

I Am Not A Religion - I Am Relationship

December 27, 2023

The sun kissed the earth early Sunday morning as I awakened to get ready for our Covenant Center December 17th morning celebration. Richard and I took off for The Center as I sang Christmas songs in my head, and he prayed for the meeting and our TCC family. Joy and thanksgiving filled my heart for the Lord’s presence and this special season. As we drove closer to our destination, I unexpectedly sensed an intense sadness and grief, when I was taken into a vision and the Spirit began to speak.

I had been asking the Lord what was on His heart as we prepared to celebrate Christmas and the new year. The great sadness, a soberness from heaven left me breathless. I was not expecting this on such a bright joyful morning. The chatter in the car diminished as my senses zeroed in on the gentle whisper of the Spirit. I knew it was important to stay focused as we arrived at The Center. I immediately gathered paper and pen and began to write down what I received. As an intercessor it is not unusual to hear him speak and share, however I can count on one hand the times I have sensed and received such intense grief and sobering presence that moved me to tears. I was being visited by his spirit of truth and repentance. Maybe you have experienced this too.

After writing down all that I received, Richard asked to read it. The King was visiting and within my spirit man, I was bowed low at his presence. I thought this visit and revelation was simply for me; however, as Richard asked me to share what he considered “a tough word,” I submitted the following to our TCC family and our prophetic council. I prefaced that this word is NOT directed at any one person, church, or denomination. The vision included places and people, events I walked through or observed in my 50 years of ministry and 70 years in his body.

To me, he was simply sharing his sadness at the many toxic, sometimes covered up events that have been hidden and perpetrated upon his precious body, often being done in his name. Unfortunately, I have seen more than I wish to know. The depth of grief that I sensed from him was literally painful and revealed his call for repentance as intercessors. As we prepare for 2024, I could sense His desire to bring correction and proper alignment of those who have been positioned over his people. I now submit this to you for prayer and reflection. He shares his secrets as well as his pain as he reveals what is to come. He loves his people so deeply. He desires great life for you and as a God of mercy, he has withheld his hand for a time. However, I sensed he is ready to bring some correction, for his desire is still to come for a church without spot or wrinkle.

“I Am He – there is no other. I Am the Spirit of Grace and I have given My people free choice. I’ve given assignments for them to walk with Me and build My Kingdom. But alas – much like My people who chose Saul, time has proven their choices. As I have watched those people who have turned My words into their own and many have chosen to build their kingdom instead of Mine. I have (patiently) watched as men have lifted themselves up, they have sometimes made idols in My name, some unintentionally and some with malice and intent. They say: “Come to me – Follow me!” They have left a strange taste in My mouth. As man, many men, have violated my people [a much stronger word was used]. They have caused others to look to them and others instead of Me. The Spirit of the Lord says: Enough I say! Enough!

Now I, the Lord, I will arise. Now I will be the One that is exalted! Now I will be lifted up! You will see in the coming days, [certain] structures and those who have exalted themselves before Me – they will be dealt with by My hand. I will now build My Kingdom. I have given you, My people the time in the earth to build, but now the time is Mine. For I have heard the cries of My children in their distress, in their confusion and pain, and the toxicity of My church. Hold on and do not fear, as I am bringing the church age to the end, and I am translating it now into My Kingdom, where My will, will be done! My Beloved, in these days, you have heard it spoken - be wise as serpents, and gentle as doves. Be alert, stand and see My salvation. Know My Beloved, that My heart is for you! Watch for Me. I have told you many things, as I tell you the truth, that I will be with you always. And I will be with you as those who choose to now build My Kingdom.

I Am not a religion – I Am Relationship. There are those who will know Me. There will be those who desire to know Me deep within, and they will take My hand, and they will speak by the Spirit of Truth and life will be breathed back into My earth as only I can do. And there will be My people who will once again, not look at man or look at what man has built, but they will look at Me! So, rejoice as we celebrate the birth of My Son. He is the Lord of My Kingdom! He will guide you into all truth and to My righteous way.”

Would you pray with me? Father, we thank you that you are gracious and merciful. We thank you that you would come and share what is on your heart, even your grief and sadness. We ask your forgiveness Lord, for the times we have offended you. For the times we have discouraged you and chosen to do things our way. That we as your people have sometimes made idols out of those you have positioned over us. That we have looked to them, instead of you. Forgive us for the times we have, as your people have, consciously or unconsciously accepted the applause of man, instead of directing the eyes of man to you. Forgive those who have abused your people, developing toxic environments, that have wounded others and caused many to fall away from you. Be King now in these situations, as you bring your correction and healing, transitioning your people into your Kingdom era. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In His Love,

Is It Time To Give Up The Candy? - Becky Maisenbacher

November 28, 2023

This week as I spent time with the Lord, I asked him if he had anything for me to share. Nothing particularly was illuminated to me until Tuesday morning, Nov. 28th. The following is the dream I received and share with you for your consideration.

I was a chaperone of a team for a choral competition which included many teams of children and young adults. Each team member wore their perspective t-shirts displaying their group affiliation. I next found myself sitting among a group in a large auditorium observing and listening to the various teams perform their musical numbers. The team I supervised did not perform. I assumed they ran out of time due to the large number of teams, although I sensed all the participants received a piece of candy for their participation at the conclusion.

In the next scene I was pushing an enclosed, moderate size blue cart on rollers, that was used to cart supplies and heavy items for our group. At the close of the competition, everyone exited the arena, silently and respectively walking single file. As we reached outside the auditorium to debrief, our group gathered together. I then lifted the lid of the blue cart wondering what was inside, only to find it filled to the brim with assorted candies and larger lollipops. I was amazed to see the amount of candy relinquished by members of our team. I sensed that members of some of the other teams had also privately and without acknowledgement, deposited their candy in the blue cart. The youth individually surrendered their treat rewards they had received into the blue cart, privately without acknowledgement or fanfare.

Cart – making certain plans, count the cost, preparing for an extended period of hard laborious work before you see the fruits of your labors come to fruition. Putting the cart before the horse.

Blue – the Spirit of Might, Is. 11:2; faith, spiritual communion with God; prophet; Word of God; grace; divine revelation; heaven; spiritual; visitation; Holy Spirit; blessings; healing; life; peace; unity; harmony; tranquility; loyalty; “true blue.”

Candy – profit from labors will bring joy, happiness and special treats or luxuries in life; affluence; admiration; indulgence, sensuality or forbidden pleasure, immaturity, childishness. I Cor. 13:11.

Lollipop – childish indulgences; naïve; refusing to grow up, shirking responsibility; physical experiences and escapades; pun: “sucker,” take caution with relationships and investments.

Team member/group – A group that is organized so they can produce work together, fellow workers.

God is Calling His Body to Maturity ~

We find Paul in 1st Corinthians instructing the Corinthians on the need for unity, reliance upon the Spirit, and the foundations for living as servants of Christ, including communion and the use of spiritual gifts. He continues in chapter 13 where we find his well-known message regarding the excellence of love, concluding with the importance of maturity in verse 11-13.

“When I was a child I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then (it will be) face to face; now I know in part, then I will know fully, just as God has fully known me. But for now, three things last - abide trust, hope, love; and the greatest of these is love. Pursue love!” (CJB)

God is bringing a higher level of maturity to those who have chosen to no longer live as a child. They will give up old, learned behaviors and patterns, embracing higher levels of revelation and understanding. They will surrender their personal desires, ambitions and plans, relationships, or affiliations. They will choose to relinquish the need to perform or be rewarded for their service, performance, or notoriety, no longer needing man’s approval. They will refuse to submit to the spirit of competition, quietly and selflessly serving, relinquishing any reward or self-exultation, knowing all sustenance and skill comes from the Father. They quietly and confidently will choose to walk out their journey, confidently and without fanfare, embracing his process for maturity, relying on his Spirit, relinquishing the need for recognition, choosing to lay down their personal indulgences and childish paradigms. They will choose to forsake their personal pleasures as they embrace their calling with humility, practicing forgiveness, becoming repairers of the breach, and walking as vessels of his love. They will desire to be united by his Spirit, as they grow in an intimate, personal relationship with God, walking in his truth and revelation.

The Righteous Reign of the Branch ~ Isaiah 11:1,2

“Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” (NASB)

A blessed Christmas Season and Hanukkuh to you and family,

*Definitions taken from: Dr. Barbie L. Breathitt, A to Z Dream Symbology Dictionary, Breath of the Spirit Ministries, Inc. PO Box 1356, Lake Dallas, Texas, Barbie Breathitt Enterprises, Inc, Canada.

Thanksgiving - Richard Maisenbacher

November 27, 2023

Recently I came across this article, “The Shorter Theology,” by Skip Moen on www.skipmoen.com and I seemed to relate to it, especially during this challenging season. I’ve come to realize when I take time to praise and thank God, I focus less on the negativity in the world. I hope Skip’s thoughts in this article may bring encouragement to you also.

In His Covenant Love,

Richard

******************************************************************************

The Shorter Theology by Dr. Skip Moen, Ph.D.

A psalm of thanksgiving. Shout joyfully to YHWH, all the land. Psalm 100:1 (Hebrew text numbering)

Thanksgiving – This is a praise song (the meaning to the Greek word psalmoi) of todah (the Hebrew word for thanksgiving). In English translations, this introductory comment is relegated to tiny type and generally ignored, but in Hebrew it is part of the inspired text. It can’t be ignored.

Once we see that God intended us to recognize this as a thanksgiving praise, we can understand the context of the entire song. The word todah also describes a subcategory of the fellowship offering (see Leviticus 7:12-13 and 22:29). It is related to songs and praises offered in worship (cf. Nehemiah 12:27). Todah is a big-umbrella word, covering the ground from a worshipper who comes with confession, to the earth itself proclaiming the majesty of the Lord.

Now take a look at the whole Psalm. Everyone and everything is exhorted to offer thanksgiving to God. Why? First, because it is the right thing to do. It is our duty. Second, because He made us. We owe Him a debt of gratitude for the breath we take. Third, He chose us. We are His people because He elected us to be His people. Fourth, because He provides for us out of the bounty of His earth. Fifth, because He is good. What goodness really is can be found in Him and in no other. And finally, because He is merciful. In this short theology, we see everything we need to know about God. We are given punctuated expressions of His character and His care. No wonder David says that we should come before Him joyfully singing His praise.

This psalm is a good antidote for the tendency to see the world from a darkened perspective. This psalm pushes me out of myopic complaints about a lack of self-fulfillment. It focuses my attention on the glory of living in a world under His control. It causes me to lift up my face and see how marvelous life really is. And most importantly, it calls me to enter into a divine symphony, to sing my part in the pantheon of praise to the Lord of creation. It is the perfect anti-depressant.

The Bible portrays the enemy of my soul as one who roams the earth, seeking vulnerable prey. Frankly, nothing makes me more vulnerable to the sin of self-sufficiency than the subtle shift of focus from the glory of God to the plight of Man. Once I take my eyes off His majesty, life’s problems rush into view, clouding my perspective with ominous portent. Thanksgiving re-orients my thinking and my behavior.

Are you thankful today that you are alive? Are you singing God’s praises for exactly where you are on the journey? Are you shouting joyfully for the breath you take? Are you rejoicing that He has chosen you, regardless of the circumstances of His current assignment for you? Are you dancing in His pastures of plenty? Are you worshipping with gladness? Well, are you?

Dr. Skip Moen, The Shorter Theology, July 18, 2008, https://skipmoen.com/2008/07/the-shorter-theology/. Personal and contact info: https://skipmoen.com/about-skip/, https://skipmoen.com/contact/ .

Our Choices Can Bring Life - Richard Maisenbacher

October 30, 2023

Last week Pastor Becky Maisenbacher shared a wonderful message of how the joy of the Lord is our strength. In Hebrew - joy is the manifestation of divine purpose fulfilled, and since everything in creation has purpose and when any part of creation acts according to its design, that part expresses and experiences joy (gladness). Thank you, Father, that your joy is my strength!

There were a few scriptures highlighted to me, and I have noticed that if I don’t pay attention to them my joy is very challenged! In other words, I become distracted, discouraged, and feel alone.

The culture of the 21st century has caused me to consider one of Paul’s “beware” verses in Colossians 2:8. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Jesus also asked us to beware in Matthew 16:6, “Watch out and beware of the leaven (teaching) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” It seems necessary to pay attention to the paradigms of the world and the church!

In Proverbs 12:15 it says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a person who listens to advice is wise.” It might be faster and easier to just think the way we want to; however, it is still important to pay attention to others’ opinions and then use discernment. It does not mean we have to agree, but there seems to be an advantage in at least listening to what others may believe around us. It does not say that the wise man gives advice. It says that he listens. Wisdom is knowing how to hear, then sharing what the Lord has given us.

Then in my prayer time I started to focus on the Tree of Knowledge. Genesis 2:16-17, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat. For in the day you eat from it you will surely die.” In Genesis 3:5, “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Yada (knowing) in its pictograph is to make the door opening an intimate experience. Yada is making something happen which can be an intimate experience. “I will make a way to open a door of experience for myself.” Why did Eve eat of the tree? She believed it would improve her ability to make decisions on her own. It was good for food, a delight to her eyes, and desirable to make her wise! She intuitively knows what to do. She can save God some time now that she knows how to do things on her own. She might have thought, “Lord help me to be a little more independent, and self-reliant so I can take care of myself and meet my goals in life so I can worship you more.”

We can make decisions ourselves instead of relying on someone else. The Tree of Knowledge implies I will no longer be dependent on anyone. We begin to see how much the role of our personal desires plays in our determining good and evil. My voice now competes with God’s voice. Now decisions are looked at by what is good for me or bad for me. I can decide between what God asks and what I desire. This may open us up to sin, especially independence, however, God built desire into our hearts. It is not about getting rid of desire. It is learning to listen to God’s voice to direct the passion of our desire.

We know that we have daily decisions to make regarding which tree to have a relationship with. The Tree of Life or The Tree of Knowledge. The Tree of Life centers on knowing God intimately, relationally, and through His written Word. We therefore make decisions knowing His will for us. The other is The Tree of Knowledge and desiring to be independent of God in our decisions regarding good and evil. Obviously having a relationship with the Tree of Life allows us to express our intimate covenant relationship with God through the Holy Spirit!

In HIs Love,

His Joy Is Our Strength - Becky Maisenbacher

October 30, 2023

On my first trip to Israel something happened to me. I fell in love with the people and the region. After our return home, it became very apparent I also left a part of my heart there too. From the moment I planted my feet on the soil at the Kibbutz by the Sea of Galilee, peace washed over my soul – I found myself trying to hold back tears – I felt I was “home.”

Watching the news has been challenging. The heaviness of any war can bring intercessors to their knees. The assault on any people desiring to live in peace and celebrate life is tragic. After visiting the middle east, it is evident to me that even though this is a war being fought in the natural – this is a spiritual war. In this fallen world the battle between light and darkness is ever present. I sought the Lord prayerfully regarding these events. “Lord, please help lift some of the weight of this burden I feel. Help me understand.” The next morning, I awoke to this song in my head: “This is my story, this is my song, praising my savior all the day long, this is my story, this is my song, praising my savior all the day long.”

As I continued to listen, a vision of my mother and grandmother appeared in my mind’s eye. I was reminded of the five years of war they endured with my father overseas – WWII and Korea. How did they survive Lord? How did they endure? The loss of young men no longer working in the fields of their farming community now gone. Father, how do those affected by current events survive the pain, suffering and loss?

In a class with John Paul Jackson several years ago he said: “What you focus on, you make room for.” This statement has been like a barometer – it quietly whispers to check myself when I begin to lose His peace. Where is my focus? What are my expectations? It helps when the dreaded regrets knock at my door, or when fear tries to draw me into the “What ifs?”I was also fortunate to live with my grandmother for a time. She stayed active in her church community, with prayer and night vigils, various gatherings of believers and friends focusing on His word, encouraging one another, weeping together while also finding joyful moments of encouragement and hope. There were many mornings I passed by her Bible opened on the end table by her rocking chair. There was great comfort and a sweet fragrance of joy and peace knowing she had talked with God. “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Recently I observed an interview from Israel. The gentleman was assigned recovery of the bodies from the recent assault. As he and the reporter stood by the now decimated home, he calmly told the reporter he retrieved over seven hundred bodies including women and children since the attacks. The stunned reporter listened intently, as this fragile-looking man spoke of entering the home and documenting the bodies. God gave him strength and directed him to honor the deceased by offering prayers and then singing and dancing beside them to honor their lives. The reporter was speechless as he declared, “You’re doing God’s work.” At that moment tears filled my eyes, and I was made keenly aware of his belief that all life is precious to God, as each created being fulfills their earthly purpose. God, in the midst of chaos and mayhem, was there with His love. I saw more clearly how in Hebrew, even inanimate objects have human emotions: “The hills clap their hands, The heavens rejoice.”

Then, I heard “Becky, they find joy in Me and My strength.” Father, what does this really mean? Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” In other words, the joy of the Lord is a source of strength that comes from Him, as we trust in His grace and goodness. It is not a feeling of happiness based on our current events or circumstances. It is the result of a deep-rooted faith that God will work all things together for good. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, oh what a foretaste of glory divine, heir of salvation, purchased of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

We Find Joy in His Strength ~

We are connected to God and loved by Him which gives us the assurance and boldness to approach Him to “find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. And the grace that He provides is enough for everything in our lives. “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2nd Corinthians 12:9.

“To each one of us grace has been given.” Ephesians 4:7. His grace is the strength He provides for us. “So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us in His beloved Son.” Ephesians 1:6

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my son I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Psalms 28:6-8

Our strength comes from God – who made heaven and earth. “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1.

The Strength of God is His Grace ~

“To each one of us grace (charis) has been given.” Ephesians 4:7

In the Strong’s Concordance, the definition for Charis 5485 is: Graciousness of manner or act, the divine influences upon the heart and reflection in the life: gratitude, joy literally, pleasure, benefit, favor, gift.

“Our strength comes from God – who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2.

We Receive Joy and Strength Through Holy Spirit ~

The gift of Joy is found in the Fruit of the Spirit. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17.

In chapter 8 of Nehemiah, the governor instructed the Hebrews regarding the feasts, along with Ezra and the Levites. The people were sorrowful and weeping that they were unable to align their behavior with the law. Seeing this Nehemiah spoke: “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep. Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

We are all far from perfect people, but as His children, we are known to Him. In Luke chapter 15, the stories about sheep, a coin and a son all end in rejoicing. God wants you to know he finds great joy in union or reunion with Him. We are made for union with Him.

We can dig down deep and be filled with joy as we draw water from the wells of salvation, Isaiah 12:3. We recover His joy. We may not understand all that has transpired, but we can be strengthened and regain joy in His love for us and we can then rejoice in His salvation – (being delivered from all forms of evil).

God Wants Your Joy to be Full ~

He is called Jehovah El Sali – the Lord is my strength; God is my rock.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11. This is a covenant scripture from a covenant God. We exchange our sorrow for His joy. His joy is in you so your life may be joy-full.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13.

“Consider it all joy (chara G5479), my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Richard, enouraged me to also check Dr. Skip Moen’s Hebrew Word Study. In his article Hebrew Joy, June 12, 2019, (https://skipmoen.com/2019/06/hebrew-joy/), he shares that “gladness” in our English dictionary is defined as pleasure or happiness which follows the Greek western thought from Plato or Aristotle. However, he suggests: “This is not so typical in Hebrew.”

In Hebrew thought he adds: “Joy is the manifestation of divine purpose fulfilled, and since everything in creation has purpose, whenever any part of the creation acts according to its design, that part expresses and experiences śimḥâ, (seem-kha’) the Hebrew word for Joy, Gladness.”

In this life we encounter difficult, and sometimes tragic events. We live in a fallen world. There are times when our response to life is not particularly joyful. Dr. Moen continues: “Without minimizing this serious condition (sorrow, struggle, guilt), śimḥâ reminds us that any part of creation presently fulfilling its designed purpose is an expression of joy.”

Have you ever found joy and beauty in raindrops, the lilting song of a bird, watching the clouds roll across an azure sky? Maybe you have rejoiced in a beautiful flower blooming in your garden, or the celebration of the life of a loved one? These events remind us that God has built joy into every part of His creation. I like this statement from Dr. Moen: “Joy is not only communal. It is associative, creative and intentional.”

Joy is God’s gift where we can experience His comforting joy as He works to make the knowledge of Jesus a reality in our hearts. Joy matures in us as we are strengthened in our trust and faithfulness to Him. God designed joy as a fruit of His Spirit so it must be pretty important to Him. He desires for us to sense His joy in our union, reunion and communion with Him. He made us for relationship with Him!

He Strengthens Us With His Joy ~

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

“You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

We Can Find His Hope In Our Suffering ~

God in His love wraps His arms around His children. His plan for you is victory and redemption through His Son who never waivers.

God has always had victory over evil – Gen. 3:14-15

Our sorrows matter to God – Psalm 56:8

He is our refuge and shelter – Proverbs 18:10

He makes our suffering or pain purposeful – Romans 5:3-5 - Tribulation brings perseverance.

Jesus and Holy Spirit intercede on our behalf – Romans 8:26-27

Any suffering we have will end in joy. Revelation 21:3

His name is Jehovah Shammah. He is there – with His people – ever present with you. In His presence is fullness of joy.

Prayer ~ Thank you Father that you have created us to live, breathe, move and have our being in You. Your name is Peace, Hope, Joy, Mercy, Grace and Love. You are also Almighty God, our Dread Champion and Captain of the Hosts. You are El Shaddai, The God of Might. Your ways are so much higher than ours. Help us to see life in all Your creation as You visit us with Your wisdom and understanding. Teach us the depth of Your ways Lord.

In His Love,

A Time to Celebrate! - Richard Maisenbacher

September 30, 2023

We have walked through a challenging time of repentance and dealing with our emotions and discouragements during the past few weeks leading up to the Feast of Tabernacles. The Lord has been right in our midst helping us problem solve and encouraging us to walk with Him and His Word. We are now in the last week of the Feast of Tabernacles where there is rejoicing as we remember His provision and protection! We have not only identified unhealthy belief structures but also the current cultural challenges we may be facing.

Focusing on a few aspects of this Feast may help us feel like rejoicing. One year has ended, and we can now look forward to this new year. Remembering He is our provision for this next year helps our heart be thankful for all that He has done for us. We have repented of any issues or attitudes that He has brought to our attention so He can bless us this year. Blessing you means “to bring you to full capacity of your destiny.”

Jesus taught during this Feast in John 7:37-39 that He will give us rivers of living water of the Holy Spirit to all who will receive Him as the true tabernacle of God. It is this covenant relationship with Him that brings us life! It is our relationship with Jesus we can celebrate! Also, during this Feast Jesus said in John 8:12 that, “I am the Light of the World. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Both of this statements that Jesus spoke remind us to celebrate!

The Feast of Tabernacles is a time of great thanksgiving when we honor God’s fulfillment of His promises and look forward to the completion of His redemptive purpose. It’s a festival. He is telling us to enjoy Him in this way.

In Hiis Covenant Love,

The Fall Feasts of the Lord - Richard Maisenbacher

August 30, 2023

We find described in Leviticus 23 God's feasts or His appointed times of celebration and consecration. The Fall Feasts are a season when God wants His people to learn to rest in Him. The Feast of Passover teaches about God's peace. The Feast of Pentecost instructs us on God's power and the Fall Feasts give understanding about God's rest. Even though the days before the Feast of Tabernacles were a time of repentance and reflection, they celebrated the final ingathering of the harvest whereby God blessed the people for the year. The fruit of the land had been reaped, so the people could rest from their harvesting labors. It was a time of great rejoicing! They would celebrate and thank God in advance for the next harvest.

The Fall Feasts emphasized a rest with the Lord; however it did not necessarily mean to literally lay down and do nothing. Rest meant to continue to be intimate with Him, staying involved in the normal work of the Kingdom, while continuing with their occupation, family, study, prayer and ministry.

The dates for this year’s Fall Feasts 2023 are:

Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) Beginning of the New Year - September 15 - 17 (Fri. – Sun.)

Days of Awe - Include the 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) A Day of Fasting - September 24 -25 (Sun. – Mon.)

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles/Booths – September 29 – October 6 (Fri. – Fri.)

I still believe God is doing many things behind the scenes during this time of transition, restoration and reconciliation. I know during this Fall season God is going to move in a great way, increasing His harvest by transforming His people. This will also automatically have an impact on the seven mountains. I do not know how it will play out, but I believe there is a correction coming to level out the playing field and begin to restore what has been stolen from His people.

We find in John 7:37-38 the words of Jesus included in John’s letter: “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘ If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’”

Let's celebrate His Fall Feasts and look forward to this New Year as we release His flow of the rivers of living water!

In His Covenant Love,

Connected to God - Energized By His Power: Christy Gilmore

August 28, 2023

During Sunday worship, August 8th, the Lord gave me a vision of a person who had a circuit board covering the front of their body. I saw Jesus moving the different plates of the circuit to connect where it had been disconnected. I saw Him releasing His power into their body to create a perfect circuit of energy flowing. Then I heard him say, “I’m giving you energy.” I sensed this was literal. His power was being released to the body (both the Body of Christ and into our physical bodies) as well, especially if we are needing it. Who doesn’t need more energy?

A little while later I heard the word “CLEAR!” I saw Jesus shocking hearts. He was bringing them back to life. He was restoring the electrical flow and rhythm. I heard the Spirit remind me that “Staying connected to Him gives us access to his power both working in us and through us.”

The next morning the Lord highlighted John 15:1-11. Let’s look at it together, the words of Jesus:

“(1) I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.

(2) You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

(3) Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

(5) I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

(6) If anyone does not abide in Me,, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

(7) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.

(8) By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

(9) Just as the Father has loved Me. I have also love you; abide in My love.

(10) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His Love.

(11) These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full (made complete).

Apostle Paul reminds us, as we attach ourselves to Jesus, remaining in His covenantal flow , He will release the fullness of God:

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” Ephesians 3:20 TPT

Christy

Christy Gilmore is a Christian wife and mother who is passionate about knowing and living for Jesus. She is a licensed minister with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Southeastern University. She resides in Lakeland, Florida with her husband, Josh, and their 2 children Lucas and Kate. Christy and her husband serve as worship leaders at The Covenant Center in Lakeland.

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

The Lord Declares: Let My People Go!

August 19, 2023

As I was worshiping Sunday (8-13-23) at The Covenant Center, glorious praise turned to tranquil meditative worship as we sang of God’s mercy and love. His presence was palpable, when angels began whispering scriptures as His love and peace washed over me: “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you will know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel who calls you by name.” Then another gently appeared before me like a whisper - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I was then taken in a vision observing the court of Pharaoh where Moses was sent by God to command the release of His people from Egypt. I observed as Moses demanded Pharaoh to let go of His people. God mercifully sent Moses time after time hoping for Pharaoh to acquiesce and release them. However, Pharaoh who saw himself as a god denied their release. I was reminded the Israelites also lived through the ten plagues, praying and trusting God was with them and would deliver them. Like a movie I observed the water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and even heard the cries of people losing their first born. Pharoah stood with contempt at the God of Moses and refused while the people suffered.

As Paul once said, I’m not sure whether “I was in my body or out,” but as I awakened to our meeting, I heard our worship leader say: “Does anyone have a word?” I sat for a moment, reflecting on what I had just experienced, when Holy Spirit directed me to share the following:

“I am a God of mercy. My mercy never fails. I hear the cries of my people. I hear the cries of my people as in the days in Egypt when they were held in bondage. And they grew weary in well doing. I am a God of mercy. Therefore, I am patient and longsuffering. But it is not that I am not moving behind the scenes. For as in those days in Egypt I gave an assignment to my son, Moses, and he approached Pharaoh who had exalted himself above Me. And in my mercy, I came to him multiple times, ten times. What do you think was happening to my people, as I mercifully was hoping for change? They suffered also as My people are suffering now. But it is not that I am not with you. It is not that I have not heard your cries.

There is a somberness in My Spirit for what I am about to do. For again, I am a God who loves. I am a God that desires that no man, no man falls away from Me. But as is the nature of humans, it is not always so. So, you will see in the coming days with your spirit eyes that I am sending as in the days of Pharaoh, (various) plagues. I am sending the heat. I am sending the plagues, the bugs, the pestilence and disease. For I have a desire for people to be free. But also, as my children in Israel that were in bondage in Egypt, they walked through these things with Me. Is it not so that many times they applied the blood to the door posts? They prayed to be passed over when things became dark? And was I not faithful to them to draw them out. How long did it take for Me to do that? I am a merciful God.

But there was a day that my mercy turned to righteous anger. And My son Moses came to the (man called) Pharaoh, and he spoke these words that I now declare in the earth because my anger is aroused and righteous. And those that I have had mercy upon to listen and to change, have not heard My cries. And I say today, LET MY PEOPLE GO! And I say, LET MY NATION GO! LET MY PEOPLE GO! There are (unrighteous) decisions being made. For do you not know that I do visit in dreams. Do you think that I would visit you and not those that are in bondage or those that have unhealthy belief structures or those that would cause evil in my earth? That they would cause evil to My creation? Do you think that I am not aware of that?

But, as you cried out today for Me, I am a God of mercy. I am a God that has been long-suffering. But My long-suffering is coming to an end (for some). So yes, My people are weary. Some of My people are despondent. (I hear their cries) Where are you God? Where are you God? All the cries I also heard in Egypt. But I am there! I am in the midst! I am moving. I am visiting. I am declaring. I am delivering. Ha, ha, ha. I am breaking off the mindsets of those who have exalted idols above Me! I am breaking off the humanistic mindset of man who exalts himself above Me. So, I speak to My precious children today. I know this is hard and I know you’ve become weary. But I AM the breath that you breathe. I AM the refreshing you drink. I AM beside you always, even unto the end. I will be with you, and I will comfort you. I will protect you and I will fight for you.

My plumbline has dropped. But now we are in the process of decision making by many. Who will they choose? What will they choose? Who will they choose? What will they choose? And it is a somber time for Me also. Because it is never pleasant having to bring correction, but it is necessary! So, in your hearts continue to rejoice in Me. And as you see things around you that darken, do not look at the darkness as I have said - LOOK TO ME! Look to me! Look into My face, into My light. Look in the darkness because in the darkness (you will see) I AM shining bright!

Do not be dismayed! Do not be confused. I will be with you always. I hear the cries and your prayers. There are things coming to an end. There are things that will shift. There will be new things that will even begin. But in the midst know that I am with you. PEACE! Peace I speak to you. Know that I love you and watch and see what I am doing in your midst, for I am Jehovah! I am Master of this Universe. And you will see Me bring freedom in this day as I did to My people in Egypt.

So, arise and shine! Arise and shine! Declare to the north and the east and the west and the south – LET MY PEOPLE GO! Let My people go! Let My people go! (I command you) to Let My People Go!”

Let’s pray: Father we praise you for your lovingkindness, your mercy and love. You never leave us and You never forsake us. You are always working on our behalf. Your promises are true and Your actions are planned, methodical and perfect in their time and season. You are never caught by surprise. And now we stand in Your Covenant of Peace, knowing You will move on our behalf.

We remind You of Your words in Exodus 6: 5-7 and we say – “Do it again Lord! Do it again!”

“And I have also heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage; and I have remembered My covenant. Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel: I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”

In His Love,

Hebraic Hope - Richard Maisenbacher

July 28, 2023

I had a vision a week ago where we as believers were lined up to enter the fire. We had smiles on our faces and we were looking forward to entering it; even though most of us have felt scorched from the fire and maybe have eliminated the “fire lyrics” from our song list! Upon reflection, I knew this fire was a great thing and we were looking forward to it, so I looked up “fire” with the positive definitions in Barbie Breathitt’s Dream Symbology Dictionary. It said Fire: Holy Spirit – the holiness of God. Cleansing anointing, angels, purification, baptism, passion that burns in one’s heart, love, burns away wood, hay, and stubble, revival, the presence of God, glory, He’s an all-consuming fire. This all represented a relationship with God which was going to bring good things for His body!

Then the Lord highlighted Romans 5:3-5:

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Tribulation can mean trouble or pressure (either literally or figuratively). Paul uses the word exult which means to boast in our trouble even though culturally we do not do much of that. However, we probably ask God why He might be punishing us or question His sovereignty. It appears to me that the enemy has battered all of us quite a bit with accusations of “Why is there so much trouble that we are walking through?” Implying it is God’s or our own fault!

Paul then states that trouble brings about perseverance. Paul’s knows affliction from being in the fire (Holy Spirit). We will know Him intimately as we embrace the flames of the Holy Spirit. We do not know what God’s comfort or encouragement will be until we have gone through a few afflictions. We cannot experience perseverance, character, and hope if we run from all our challenges. Those that love Him will have challenges in this world. Perseverance means for us to stay in place. He puts us in a position and asks us to stand…not to surrender ground to the enemy. We stand until God brings reinforcements. He abides with us. He shares the struggle and fight. Without some tests there is no opportunity to succeed.

With proven character that we have walked through, we now have hope. A Greek (Western) definition of hope is that it projects the good I desire into an uncertain future. In the Hebraic (Eastern) hope has a context of trust and it is directly tied to the promises of God. Believers participate in the promises as a community. The future is not up to us alone but encompasses the purpose of the community of believers. My hope is not just up to me. That’s why Paul is able to say: hope does not disappoint. In the Greek view, my future expectations can be disappointed by reality. Hebraically, we can never be disappointed because God will bring us into our destinies.

There is freedom and relief in the Hebraic view of hope. I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. Paul says this hope cannot disappoint because there is nothing I can do to prevent its arrival. Hope is walking out His covenant with a community of believers embracing the covenant exchange. We give ourselves…. He imparts Himself and His love to us….and we receive all of Him!

In His Covenant Love,

The Heart of Our Heavenly Father - David Weber

July 19, 2023

The Heart of Our Heavenly Father by David Weber

What a father communicates to his child is critical. No earthly father is perfect but our experience with our own fathers influences our perception of our Heavenly Father.

Our society bears all the wounds of a fatherless culture. The concept of what is a family has been under attack for a generation. The father led family has been under attack fueled by the sexual revolution and government policies that seem compassionate but encouraged the breakup of the nuclear family ie. welfare rules that financially rewarded childbearing only for single parent households. The poor segments of our society in particular have subsequently suffered terribly from fatherlessness as a result. It’s destroyed the family unit.

Married with Children - a Fox media invention was the first blatant portrayal that I became aware of that portrays the father of a TV family as a selfish weak minded fool - the clown of the family. Hollywood and then the internet has used the allure and powerful attraction that sexuality has over people and pounded society with content whose message is that sanctity of the marriage covenant is out of date.

The marriage covenant is the foundation of a civil and functioning society. Fatherhood has been under attack. The messaging is “do whatever feels good to you” - so what if it destroys your covenant with the family. So much for the medias perversion of the concept of Father. Ultimately this is Satan’s attack on the nature and character of our Heavenly Father who is the model of what a father should be.

I had two very different father experiences growing up. The first was loving affectionate - the second disdainful. My natural father had to bathe and care for me when my Mom was carrying my sister which lead to a close bond. I never doubted that my father loved me unconditionally. It’s not something that a kid thinks about - you just know it. Let me give you an example:

I was probably just old enough to begin learning to form sentences. My father and my uncle and cousin and I climbed into our 1950’s era cream colored Chrysler Imperial and I just assumed my place standing on the bench seat next to my father when he sternly said, “ David get in the backseat” I protested but he repeated it more sternly and I sat in the back, but feeling wounded. I can remember trying to formulate a complete thought in response, working it out slowly in my head as we made our way down the road. Finally, as articulate as I could muster, I announced, “Some day when I get big I’m going to be driving the car and I’m going to make you sit in the back seat.”

My Dad slammed on the brakes - stopped the car. He got out and disappeared around the back of the car barking “David stay in the car!” My uncle and cousin followed him. For many years following I thought that I had crossed some line and Dad was really ticked off at my attitude. But at a family reunion many years later, that cousin recalled the incident and his version was different than mine. He said, “When you were a little kid I remember you mouthing off to your Dad that time and him slamming on the brakes and getting out of the car. I thought oh boy is David going to get it now” (my uncle could be somewhat harsh). He continued, “When your dad did that I got out of the car with my dad and went back to see what your dad was doing. He was sitting on the bumper laughing hysterically trying not to make any noise putting his finger to his lips, ‘shhhh’ he said to keep us quiet. When he recovered his composure he shook his head and we all got back in the car and started off again.” I was glad to hear that revision because it just reinforces how much my dad delighted in me.

Regardless of your earthly father experience your Heavenly Father delights in you!

The Book of Proverbs records several chapters of instruction to ‘my son’ indicating a father’s mentoring. That is a fathers function - to mentor his children in Godly wisdom. Many of our fathers failed in this regard. Our Heavenly Father knows that. We know that all wisdom flows from our Heavenly Father. James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” For many believers, how we relate to our heavenly Father is related to our experience with our own father.

For me my father died when I was eight but by that time I had experienced his total acceptance and knew his love for me. By the time he left us he had left me with a sense of my own value and significance. Today I know that my father loved me. However his death at that time left a huge void in me. As much as I had felt that I belonged, I then felt extremely detached and very much alone.

We are social beings and need one another. The loss of my father gave me recurring nightmares of being on a spaceship alone hurtling away from earth into the cold lonely blackness of space. In this nightmare, the more I asserted myself to return, the faster I accelerated away. It was a self reinforcing panic attack in a dream state from which I would awaken so panicked that I was in a state of blindness called blind hysteria.

These episodes would recur and I was terrified to go to sleep for fear of them until one night I laid down and once again sensed that panic like a demonic entity was trying to smother me. I didn’t know much about Jesus or salvation but I had heard about God and He seemed very much like my father. I cried out to Him,“please help me! Don’t let me dream these dreams again.” In my own way I surrendered my life to God that night telling him that I’d choose to live my life for Him if he would deliver me.

My Heavenly Father took me for my word. Instantly I felt totally relaxed and fell peacefully asleep waking seemingly a moment later, and it was morning. I felt incredibly alive and completely at peace. My Heavenly Father in His mercy had rescued me. Years later I asked the Lord why I never felt that salvation experience that many claim occurs when they know enough to make a commitment to Christ. He brought me back to that experience and showed me that my rescue was my salvation experience.

Regardless of your situation your Heavenly Father hears your desperate cry.

God wasn’t portrayed in the Old Testament as “Father” it wasn’t until Jesus became the son. As we read about Jesus we find what his speech and actions teach us about the nature of His Heavenly Father. He directs us as He did to pray to the Father. He hears the Father and obediently does what the Father is telling Him to do. In everything - even his torture and death experience He has total trust in His Father.

We can also have that kind of trust when we know that He is trustworthy. So many believers today have a hard time relating to Father God because of their earthly experiences with their father.

We, having an understanding of covenant have a better understanding of the greater entity blessing the lessor. It pleases the Father to provide for our good. Often if we’re truthful we wonder if he hears us. If we find ourselves striving to please Him it might be because we are bargaining.

That is natural for us in this world but being transactional with God defies covenant. There is a difference in doing works for God in covenant rather than working for God transactionally. The difference? Motive! Why are we doing it. Are we performing for love or are we performing out of our love and desire to please Him because we know his love? Are we bargaining with God for a blessing afraid that He won’t supply our need?

I guess that that is the whole point of this talk isn’t it. Our Father in heaven will provide as He intends. Do we truly trust Him? Completely? Sometimes I realize that I have to adjust my thinking about this. You know we have nothing of value to God to bargain with. All of our good works mean nothing if we present them in the context of a trade for what we are asking for. Often people don't realize it but they are bargaining with God instead of understanding that he has already provided everything we only need to ask.

Coming to Him thinking that our good works approve us will achieve nothing because “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So our approach should be to come with empty hands. Yes we give tithes and offerings but we give them to those on earth and in our giving the father does bless us. I love what Skip Moen related in the beatitudes: “In essence, we come to the father naked and penniless and he clothes us and blesses us.”

My understanding has come to the fact that Our Father in Heaven owes us nothing but willingly gives us everything if we come in humility and faith. For me Faith is my trust in my Heavenly Father’s intent to love and bless me. That causes me to want to be with Him. To not be separated from Him. Christ on the cross cried out “Father why have you forsaken me?” He was so used to the intimacy continually with him that the Father’s absence was probably a shock to Him. I believe that our faith grows equally with our revelation of the Fathers ‘Hesed’ loving-kindness nature - His kind intention towards us. Do we believe it?

So what if I sin? I come to Him in truthful repentance and “He is faithful and just to forgive me my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.” He not only forgives and never begrudgingly but he cleans me up too. He does it willingly lovingly because He is passionate for me (and for you).

So how do you feel when you approach the throne of the father?

Really the Holy Spirit is the presence of the Father in us. When you think of the Father does it fill you with joy or with fear, dread, even resentment?

Our thinking - our thought life even if we are not aware of it directs our actions, and our experiences can direct our attitudes. A lot of what I’ve been taught in the church is not accurate or focuses on the negative aspects - what’s wrong and its wrong about us. ‘God loves you’ is often said but not always felt. What do we believe about how the father sees us. If we know that He values us, we will value ourselves and value others too. The joy of our salvation is that we can be free - free to worship in spirit and in the truth of who our Heavenly Father really is!

So how do we approach the Father?

Psalms 100:4 says “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” A heart of thankfulness demonstrates our humility. The Father gives grace to the humble. Thankfulness is a key to the throne room and intimacy with our heavenly Father.

The first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind, however, I believe that is not possible until we begin to have a revelation of the love of God, and that is not possible if we have held a distorted view of our heavenly Father’s heart towards us. He loves us as no earthly father could. Until we begin to see how He loves us we will either try to work for His approval or feel aloof and abandoned. But His love is perfect and never fails.

Prayer: Father God reveal your true nature to us and help us erase our preconceptions of who you truly are. We wish to be as intimate with you as you desire to be with us. We come before you with great thankfulness for your tender mercies and kindness that we even have the opportunity to know you. We owe everything to you and to your Son our lord and savior Jesus Christ.

David Weber - is a mainstay in the Central Florida blueberry industry, with a Bachelor’s degree in botany from Florida Atlantic University and his Master’s from the University of Florida in Nematology. He worked exclusively in the Ag industry –managing the UF Extension Nematology Lab and later with Ciba Geigy Ag Chemicals– before starting his own company, The Doc Applications, Inc., in the 1980s. The acre he planted in the late ‘80s has grown to 31 acres, and he’s continued to strive for innovation. David is a long term member of Morningstar KBA - Kingdom Business Association. He believes strongly in Marketplace Ministry and is a two year participant of Morningstar’s prophetic ministry. He is an ordained minister with The Covenant Center.

Contact - info@thecovenantcenter.com

Blog

Restoration of the Tabernacle of David: Michael Kesinger

Hope Does Not Disappoint - Richard Maisenbacher

Hope - Elizabeth Weber

Prayer and Preparation to Walk Through the Open Doors in 2024: Richard Maisenbacher

The Gospel of the Kingdom - Bob Stark

Advancing God's Kingdom - Tony Taylor

Divine Contradictions - Nicole Welch

Wisdom in Biblical Freedom: Richard Maisenbacher

The Light - Andrei McLachlan

I Am Not A Religion - I Am Relationship

Is It Time To Give Up The Candy? - Becky Maisenbacher

Thanksgiving - Richard Maisenbacher

Our Choices Can Bring Life - Richard Maisenbacher

His Joy Is Our Strength - Becky Maisenbacher

A Time to Celebrate! - Richard Maisenbacher

The Fall Feasts of the Lord - Richard Maisenbacher

Connected to God - Energized By His Power: Christy Gilmore

The Lord Declares: Let My People Go!

Hebraic Hope - Richard Maisenbacher

The Heart of Our Heavenly Father - David Weber

Sunday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Wednesday
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

26 Lake Wire Drive
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Phone (863) 802-5171
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info@thecovenantcenter.com

Blog

Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Wednesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Phone (863) 802-5171 Fax (863) 226-0899

Sunday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Wednesday
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Phone (863) 802-5171
Fax (863) 226-0899